Leif - Italy - Fall 2008

Upon arriving the staff took all of us to an Italian villa and vinyard called Torrezetta which is located outside the city. This was extremely helpful in the sense it was our orientation but also because everyone in the program had nothing to do but get to one another. We had apertivos, authentic Italian three course meals, and were able to swim and explore the countryside. We stayed there for three days and gained valuable knowledge about living and studying in Italy for next several months.
Milan itself is a very beautiful and very large city with many opportunities for students. It has many very well regarded universities and is vital to Italy in terms of business, fashion, industry, design, literature, art, and so forth. If you are hoping to learn Italian it is also a great place to be merely because it is not one of the more touristy places within Italy and few Milanese citizens speak english. I was the only student this semester to have traveled to a foreign country without possessing some knowledge of the language. Regardless, I can honestly say that adjusting was relatively easy. At times it becomes difficult merely because everything is in Italian, ie cooking directions, websites, metra schedules, etc. Yet, the people here, even strangers go to great extents to help me. For example, after asking a woman on a bike where I could find a place to convert dollars to euros she told me she was very sorry but she did not know. Eventually she rode several blocks back to where I was just to tell me she had found a bank that would convert money. Experiences like these have happened severals times and it is surprising to me, especially because I am in a large city where people are generally more distant. I also really appreciate the friends I have made here. The students represent over thirty states and are very interesting and sincere. Many times we will tour Milan, have dinner and wine at someone's apartment,go to clubs, or take a day trip to a close town such as Parma,Lake Como, or the Alps. Please let me know if you have any questions about study abroad especially those regarding Italy.